Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism insofar as it declares pleasure to be its sole intrinsic goal, the concept that the absence of pain and fear constitutes the greatest pleasure, and its advocacy of a simple life, make it very different from 'hedonism' as colloquially understood. Epicureanism was originally a challenge to Platonism. His materialism led him to a general attack on superstition and divine intervention.

The work is distinguished by the fervour and poetry of the author.Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded around 307 BC based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus.Įpicurus was an atomic materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. In Book 6 the poet explains various atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena, including thunder, lightning, earthquakes, volcanoes, the magnet, and plagues. Book 5 describes the nature and formation of our world, astronomical phenomena, the beginnings of life on earth, and the development of civilization. Book 4 explains the nature of sensation and thought, and ends with an impressive account of sexual love. In Book 3 he expounds the nature and composition of mind and spirit, proves their mortality, and argues that there is nothing to fear in death. In Book 2 he explains atomic movement, the variety of atomic shapes, and argues that the atoms lack colour, sensation, and other secondary qualities. In Book 1 he establishes the general principles of the atomic system, refutes the views of rival physicists, and proves the infinity of the universe and of its two ultimate constituents, matter and void.

In six books compounded of solid reasoning, brilliant imagination, and noble poetry, he expounds the scientific theories of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, with the aim of dispelling fear of the gods and fear of death and so enabling man to attain peace of mind and happiness. He is the author of the great didactic poem in hexameters, 'De Rerum Natura' ('On the Nature of Things'). 55 BCE, but the details of his career are unknown. Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus) lived ca.

Epicurus on the nature of things